Breast Excision Research Articles

CARD9-Mediated Macrophage Responses and Collagen Fiber Capsule Formation Caused by Textured Breast Implants.

An increasing number of women are undergoing breast implantation for cosmetic purposes or for reconstructive purposes after breast excision. The surface morphology of the breast implant is a key factor associated with the induction of capsule contraction. The effect of surface morphology on the inflammatory response after implant insertion remains unclear, however. The authors conducted comparative analyses to determine the effect of the textured and smooth surface morphology of silicone sheets. Each type of silicone sheet was inserted into the subcutaneous pocket below the panniculus carnosus in C57BL/6 mice and mice with genetic disruption of CARD9 , Dectin-1 , Dectin-2 , or Mincle . The authors analyzed collagen fiber capsule thickness, histologic findings, and macrophage inflammatory response, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β synthesis. The authors found that textured surface morphology contributed to the formation of collagen fiber capsules and the accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and was accompanied by the accumulation of TGF-β-expressing macrophages and foreign-body giant cells. CARD9 deficiency attenuated collagen fiber capsule formation, macrophage responses, and TGF-β synthesis, although the responsible C-type lectin receptors remain to be clarified. These results suggest that CARD9 may have a strong impact on silicone sheet morphology through the regulation of macrophage responses. Silicone breast implants have been widely used for postmastectomy and cosmetic augmentation mammaplasty breast reconstruction. The authors sought to elucidate the surface morphology of the breast implant as one of the key factors associated with the formation of collagen fiber capsules. Therapeutic, V.

Honeycomb breast: An appearance of fibrocystic disease.

Fibrocystic disease of breast is characterized by lumpiness and discomfort. Our 48-year-old perimenopausal patient had a painless progressively enlarging non-tender lump in her right breast since 1 year. On physical examination a 10 × 8 cm firm non-tender lump was observed occupying almost the whole breast, whose surface was nodular though not fixed. The operative specimen appeared like a honeycomb with multiple cavities filled with yellowish firm material typical of tuberculosis. Surprisingly, histology found neither this nor malignancy. Radical breast excision is never warranted except if the latter is confirmed.

Learning curve in ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision of breast lesions for surgeons and ultrasound physicians.

The varying experience of surgeons and ultrasound physicians, and their collaboration with physicians, may affect operation time and efficiency. We evaluated the learning curve of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) of breast lesion with collaboration between different physicians, and assessed characteristics associated with operation time. The sample population of this retrospective study was divided into two groups: 49 consecutive patient surgeries completed by skilled surgeons and novice ultrasound physicians (U group); and 30 consecutive patient surgeries completed by skilled ultrasound physicians and novice surgeons (S group). Cumulative summation graphs were used to evaluate operation time and calculate the turning point of the learning curve. Patients in the U and S groups were divided into exploration stage and proficiency stage according to the turning point, and the differences in influencing factors were compared. A total of 548 patients who underwent vacuum-assisted breast excision performed by a combination of skilled surgeons and skilled ultrasound physicians were selected as the reference group (R group). The differences among the three groups were compared. The relationship between the operation time and other factors in the different groups was analyzed using linear regression. The best learning curve of the sample population was the quadratic fitting equation, and the turning point was the 19th case in the U group and the 14th case in the S group. The total operation times in the proficiency stage were significantly shorter than those in the exploration stage in the U and S groups (P=0.012 and P=0.003, separately). Patient age, long diameter, short diameter, and depth of masses related to the operation time. Our data suggest the existence of different learning curves in ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision for the collaborations of different stages surgeons and ultrasound physicians. Through the accumulation of experience, it is feasible to safely perform ultrasound-guided VAE of breast lesions.

Reconstruction of large volume breast excision area with volume replacement after using V mammoplasty technique

The main goal in breast cancer surgery should be to perform safe surgery within the framework of oncological principles and to achieve the ideal cosmetic appearance that will not impair the person's quality of life. With this aspect, oncoplastic breast cancer surgery, which was developed for the solution of situations where classical breast-conserving surgery methods are insufficient, is being applied at increasing rates today. The cosmetic success of breast-conserving surgery can be understood after radiotherapy is given. The tissue gap formed in a lumpectomy is closed by the organization of the tissue fluid accumulated in the excision area over time. Fibrosis, which will develop during the natural wound-healing process, increases significantly after radiotherapy and may cause a change in appearance. In oncoplastic techniques, the defect is closed primarily by shifting the breast tissue, thus preserving the cosmetic.
 As an example, our study aimed to present the V mammoplasty technique applied to a premenopausal patient in the fourth decade with atypical ductal hyperplasia covering the entire inner half of one breast, with moderate ptosis and macromastia. 
 Today, breast cancer is accepted as a chronic disease and multidisciplinary teamwork is required for effective treatment. General surgeons play an important role in this team in terms of the interventional treatment of the disease and the preservation of the patient's quality of life. For this purpose, it is necessary for them to know and be able to apply most of the low and high-difficulty levels of oncoplastic techniques.

The immunohistochemical Galectin-3 expression in tumor and cancer-associated fibroblasts in invasive ductal carcinomas of breast and their relationship with clinicopathological parameters.

Galectin-3 has an important role in metastasis, therefore, Galectin-3-focused therapies have attracted attention for various cancers. We aimed to reveal the relationship between the expression of Galectin-3 within the tumor/cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and clinicopathological parameters in patients with invasive ductal carcinomas. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of breast excision materials diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 were re-examined retrospectively. Accordingly, 118 cases (luminal group = 58, Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) group = 27, and triple-negative breast carcinoma group [TNBC] =33 cases) were included. Galectin-3 levels were evaluated with a calculated H-score in tumor and semiquantitatively in CAFs. Data was analyzed with t-tests and Chi-square tests. Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests were used for survival analysis. The presence of Galectin-3 expression in CAFs but not in the tumor was associated with the greater number of axillary metastatic nodes and advanced pN stage. The loss of Galectin-3 expression in CAFs was more frequent in TNBC. There was no significant relationship between the expression level of Galectin-3 and survival status. However, in most of the cases with distant metastasis or patients who died, Galectin-3 was negative in the tumor, whereas it was positive in CAFs. The expression of Galectin-3 in tumors and CAFs may have a role in metastasis to axillary lymph nodes and distant sites. In terms of molecular subtype, TNBCs show a relationship with Galectin-3 negativity in CAFs.

Transient hypoxemia after endotracheal tube extubation in a patient who received reversal of muscle relaxation using sugammadex after general anesthesia: A case report

Post-operative respiratory depression is common in patients recovering from anesthesia and can result in fatal cardiopulmonary collapse, anoxic brain injury, and mortality. We report a case of a 54-year-old morbidly obese female patient who developed transient hypoxemia after general anesthesia. The patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent breast excision surgery. At the end of the surgery, her muscle function was fully restored using sugammadex. However, the patient developed transient hypoxemia in the post-anesthesia care unit. The clinician should keep in mind that OSA patients are likely to develop hypoxemia due to the residual sedative effects and airway obstruction despite the recovery of muscle function after anesthesia.

The evolution and refinement of magnetic-guided sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIO) have been used as a tracer for SLN localization in breast cancer, demonstrating comparable performance to the combination of radioisotope and blue dye (RI±BD) with occasional skin staining as an adverse effect. SPIO has been tested in different doses, injection site and timing and shows the potential for delayed SLN dissection (SLND) after previous breast excision for DCIS. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to summarize evidence, assess technique evolution and define knowledge gaps.

Comparative study of the histopathologic changes within and around fibroadenomas

Objective: Fibroadenoma is the most common benign breast tumor but there are a few studies in the literature that describe the histological features of inner and adjacent tissues of fibroadenomas. The aim of the present study is to examine the histological features of the epithelial and stromal tissues within and around fibroadenomas. Materials and Metods: In this study, 52 patients with histopathologically diagnosed fibroadenoma from excisional breast biopsy were retrospectively screened and all hematoxylin eosin stained slides were reevaluated by two pathologists. All data were analyzed with SPSS v.21.0 software package. Results: A statistically significant correlation was detected between complex fibroadenoma and usual ductal hyperplasia (p <0.001), usual ductal hyperplasia was present in 55.9 % of the complex fibroadenomas. No significant association was detected between presence of usual ductal hyperplasia in the surrounding parenchyma and fibroadenoma (p= 0.132). In 26.3 % of fibroadenomas containing usual ductal hyperplasia, usual ductal hyperplasia was present in the adjacent breast parenchyma. There was no significant correlation between complex fibroadenoma and usual ductal hyperplasia or fibrocystic changes in the surrounding parenchyma (p= 0.438 and p= 0.523, respectively). Conclusion: The rates of the proliferative changes that create a risk for breast cancer in and around the fibroadenoma in the younger ages were found similar with the older ages. The examination of the complex and proliferative changes in the fibroadenoma and the proliferative changes in the surrounding breast parenchyma meticulously and specification of all those changes in the report will allow determination of the risk for development of breast cancer more accurately.

Revolution to Reticence, Halsted and The History of Mastectomy

The mastectomy techniques used to treat breast cancer patients today are a product of thousands of years of discovery. Early mentions of breast excision and cauterization can be found in Ancient Egyptian and Indian texts dating back to 3000 B.C. Formally developed by Halsted in 1894, the radical mastectomy marked an important innovation in breast cancer therapy. Employment of the technique nearly doubled the patient survival rate. Since Halsted’s time, the uses for this technique have also changed. Less invasive surgeries such as lumpectomies are often preferred by patients, with radical mastectomy surgeries now commonly used for prophylaxis. This article explores the significance of Halsted’s innovation, while providing contextual evidence that examines the noteworthy events that both precede and follow it. It also examines how Halsted’s innovation rose and later fell from public favour.

A Technical Note on a Novel Technique for the Evaluation of Breast Excision Specimen: Automated Breast Ultrasound System

Specimen ultrasound is a practical, reliable, and efficient method for detecting ultrasound-only breast abnormalities. This technique was developed as a result of an increasing number of breast lesions being observed on ultrasound-only, particularly in younger women. This procedure can be easily performed in either the radiology department or the operative suite and involves a minimal delay during the operation. In this technical note, we want to share our experience with automated 3D breast ultrasound (ABUS) in specimen imaging and its practicability. ABUS can be used as a new technique in specimen ultrasound and gives information about the lesion margin on coronal images. Keywords: Automated breast ultrasound; Automated 3D breast ultrasound; Specimen imaging

An Educational Intervention Reduces Opioids Prescribed Following General Surgery Procedures

BackgroundVariability exists in opioid prescribing practices among surgeons, frequently resulting in the prescription of excessive opioids. This study evaluated the ability of a single educational intervention targeted toward general surgery residents to reduce the quantity of postoperative opioids prescribed. Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study evaluated opioid prescribing practices 12 mo prior to and 6 mo following a 30-min lecture for general surgery residents that discussed prescribing guidelines and multimodal analgesia. Opioid volumes (normalized to oral morphine equivalents, OME), opioid type, nonopioid pain medications, and refills requested were analyzed for opioid-naïve adult patients undergoing excisional breast biopsy (EB), mastectomy (M), laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), open umbilical hernia repair (OUHR), open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR), or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). Results695 and 376 patients preintervention and postintervention were included, respectively. Median OME prescribed decreased for EB (150 mg to 75 mg, P < 0.001), M (225 mg to 150 mg, P = 0.85), LA (150 mg to 94 mg, P < 0.001), LC (150 mg to 82 mg, P < 0.001), OUHR (150 mg to 103 mg, P < 0.001), OIHR (175 mg to 100 mg, P = 0.001), and LIHR (200 mg to 113 mg, P < 0.001). Fewer patients received opioids alone and more patients received an opioid with two nonopioid adjuncts (P < 0.001). More patients received oxycodone as fewer received acetaminophen-containing opioid combinations (P < 0.001). Patients requiring refills decreased (11.9% to 7.2%) (P = 0.014). ConclusionsFollowing this targeted intervention, patients were discharged with fewer OME and more nonopioid analgesics, even as refill requests decreased. Educating residents on opioid prescription guidelines and multimodal therapy is effective and should be part of the annual didactic curriculum.

Molecular characterization of breast cancer needle core biopsy specimens by the 21-gene Breast Recurrence Score test.

Background and ObjectiveRecent COVID‐19 pandemic guidelines recommend genomic assessment of core biopsies to help guide treatment decisions in estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive early‐stage breast cancer. Herein we characterize biopsy and excisional breast cancer specimens submitted for 21‐gene testing.MethodsUS samples submitted to Genomic Health for 21‐gene testing (01/2004‐04/2020) were assessed by pathologists and analyzed by a standardized quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Predefined cutoffs were: ESR1 (positive ≥6.5), PGR (positive ≥5.5), and ERBB2 (negative <10.7). ER status by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and lymph node status were determined locally. Median and interquartile range were reported for continuous variables, and total and percent for categorical variables. Distributions were assessed overall, by age, and by nodal involvement.ResultsOf 919 701 samples analyzed, 13% were biopsies and 87% were excisions. Initial assay success rates were 94.5% (biopsies) and 97.3% (excisions). ER IHC concordance with central ESR1 was 96.8% (biopsies) and 97.6% (excisions). Biopsy and excisional medians were: Recurrence Score results 16 (each); ESR1 10.2 (each); PGR 7.7 and 7.6; ERBB2 9.4 and 9.2, respectively.ConclusionsBiopsy submissions for 21‐gene testing are common and consistently generate results that are very similar to the experience with excisions. The 21‐gene test can be performed reliably on core biopsies.

Ultrasound characteristics of sclerosing adenosis mimicking breast carcinoma.

Sclerosing adenosis (SA) is a benign lesion with complicated pathological components and could mimic breast carcinoma in both clinical palpation and medical imaging findings. The present study was conducted to assess the value of ultrasound (US) characteristics in diagnosing SA and their differentiation from breast carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 305 women (347 lesions) with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 54 women with single SA lesion, who had breast excision between April 2016 and July 2018. US BI-RADS atlas and elastography were applied and their associated characteristics were compared between SA and IDC. The mean age of SA was younger than that of IDC (43.6 ± 7.4 vs 53.2 ± 10.3, P < 0.001). Compared to IDC, SA had more frequency of parallel orientation (94.44% vs 71.76%, P < 0.001) and circumscribed margin (48.15% vs 4.90%, P < 0.001), less frequency ofirregular shape (64.81% vs 95.97%, P < 0.001), hypoechoic echotexture(88.89% vs 98.27%, P = 0.002), calcification (12.96% vs 55.04%, P < 0.001), and posterior acoustic changes (3.70% vs 53.89%, P < 0.001) or associated features (architectural distortion, 3.70% vs 59.65%, P < 0.001; duct changes, 18.52% vs 63.40%, P < 0.001). Vascularity absence was more common in SA compared to IDC (35.19% vs 6.63%, P < 0.001). And the elasticity score was lower in SA (2.38 ± 0.60 vs 3.91 ± 0.81, P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, we found spiculated margin, posterior shadowing, calcification, architectural distortion, and vascularity could independently identify the differences between these two entities. After involving elasticity score, the calcification and vascularity could still be independent indicators for differential diagnosis. Understanding SA imaging features will enable radiologists to communicate results to the referring physician consistently, which could benefit a reliable assessment and specific management recommendations. A systematic evaluation of the US BI-RADS atlas together with breast elastography may be a powerful tool to identify SA and differentiate it from breast cancer.

Evaluation of Ultrasound-guided 8-Gauge Vacuum-assisted Excision System for the Removal of US-detectable Breast Lesions.

To assess the ability of ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted breast excision (VAE) to remove Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) ≥3 breast lesions in order to analyze US features most frequently associated with complete excision. A total of 266 BI-RADS ≥3 lesions without microcalcifications underwent US-VAE. US-VAE and gold standard pathological results were compared. US features of lesions were analyzed. The complete excision rate was 93.61%; the VAE agreement rate was 99.62%. Circumscribed margins, regular shape, parallel orientation, and the absence of posterior features were favorable US features associated with complete excision. Lesions completely excised were: BI-RADS 3 ≤21.10 mm and BI-RADS 4 ≤18.70 mm with one unfavorable US characteristic, and BI-RADS 4 lesions ≤13.5 mm with two unfavorable US features hindered complete removal. Two atypical ductal hyperplasias (<10 mm, one unfavorable feature) and eight ductal carcinomas in situ (≤8.7 mm, one/two unfavorable features) were completely removed. US-VAE is highly accurate for diagnostic purpose and, in some cases, highly successful for complete lesion excision. This success also depends on the US characteristics and size of the lesion.

Abstract P1-01-05: Intraoperative three-dimensions MiniiSCANR for determine adequate margin in breast cancer specimens before histopathological examination

Abstract Background: 20-30% of breast conserving surgery patients undergo a second re-excision procedure due to tumor-positive margins at final histopathology. Various modalities are used to assess the adequacy of surgical resection to minimize positive margin and reoperation rates. MiniiSCAN™ is a method of intraoperative specimen radiography that allows for margin evaluation following excisional breast lesion either BI-RADS 4 and 5. The mechanism of MiniiSCAN™ is similar to computer tomography but specimen is rotated on the plate instead circular rotating frame with an x-ray tube mounted on 1 side and a detector on the opposite side in conventional computerized tomography scan. It is easily and short time to reconstructed into 3 dimensions. This machine was developed by Songklanagarind hospital and National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of MiniiSCAN™ as a surgical margin guidance tool compared with pathological margin in breast cancer specimens. Materials &amp; Methods: A retrospective review was designed, 62 consecutive cases of abnormal mammogram (BI-RADS 4,5) with or without wire localization from 1 June 2016 to 30 June 2019 were identified from the electronic medical records at Prince of Songkla University. Results: Of the 62 specimens imaged, 17 had invasive cancer and ten had in-situ pathological diagnoses. Of these, 10 patients had a positive tumor margin and 17 a negative tumor margin at final histopathology. Margin status evaluation by MiniiSCAN™ reconstruction were calculated in 4 minutes (acquisition and reconstruction time). Of the 27 specimens readings, the margin status in 24 patients was correctly predicted by MiniiSCAN™. There were two false-negative predictions. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MiniiSCAN™ in margin status prediction were 88.89%, 80%, 94.11%, 88.89% and 88.89%, respectively. Conclusion: MiniiSCAN™ could be integrated into routine care, enabling the surgical team to perform and interpret specimen radiographs rapidly and make immediate surgical decisions. Keywords: Abnormal mammography, Breast cancer, CT scan, Specimen radiography Citation Format: Suphawat Laohawiriyakamol, Piyanun Wangkulankul, Piyanoot Woodtichartpreecha, Puttisak Puttawibul. Intraoperative three-dimensions MiniiSCANR for determine adequate margin in breast cancer specimens before histopathological examination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-01-05.

Abstract P3-02-02: CD68-positive crown-like structures of the breast are independently associated with adverse survival: A retrospective analysis of cases from a prospective cohort

Abstract Introduction: The association of breast cancer (BC) with obesity is complex and multifactorial, depending partly on diet and related metabolic imbalances. Previous reports have shown that local inflammation in adipocytes can be seen in tissue sections as rings of macrophages of macrophages around necrotic adipocytes (“Crown-Like Structures of the Breast”, CLS-B). We and others have shown that CLS-B have higher prevalence and density within the adipose tissue of obese patients. Our goal was to examine the association of CLS-B with survival in participants enrolled at one center (Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto) of a multicenter prospective cohort study designed to investigate obesity-related prognostic factors in early stage BC. Design: Archived H&amp;E sections of breast adipose tissue were retrieved from Mount Sinai (Toronto) participants (N=163). All specimens were from breast excisions for invasive carcinoma. A CLS-B was defined as a ring of macrophages surrounding an adipocyte in otherwise normal breast tissue. In a subset (N=119), immunostains for CD68 were performed on a representative block to highlight macrophages. Sections containing tumor, fat necrosis, and mastitis were excluded. Slides were pathologist-reviewed, recording the number of CLS-B, slides containing CLS-B, and slides with normal tissue. Serologic markers of metabolism and inflammation were previously performed in a central laboratory. Correlations with clinical and serologic markers were examined using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon tests. Survival analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards models. Results: CLS-B were identified in routine H&amp;E sections of normal fat in 59 out of 163 cases (36%). In the representative subset stained for CD68 (N=119), 22 cases were identified as positive for CLS-B by both H&amp;E and CD68, 15 cases by CD68 alone and 24 by H&amp;E alone, giving a CLS-B prevalence of 39% as detected by H&amp;E, 31% by CD68 and 51% when combining the two. Both i) CD68-positive and ii) H&amp;E-positive CLS-B showed similar positive relationships with BMI (median BMI 27 versus 24 kg/m2, P&amp;lt;0.01 for CLS-B present versus absent); however the relationship with insulin was stronger for CD68-positive CLS-B (median insulin 49 vs 35 pmol/L, P=0.009) than for H&amp;E-positive CLS-B (insulin 39 vs 35 pmol/L, P=0.39). Univariable Cox model hazard ratios (HRs) for CD68-positive CLS-B were 2.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-5.95) and 3.74 (CI 1.73-8.07) for disease-free and overall survival respectively, and after adjustment for age, nodal status, tumour grade, stage, ER/PR status, adjuvant treatment and BMI, HRs were 2.43 (CI 1.01-5.81) and 3.19 (CI 1.3-7.79). In the same subset, H&amp;E-positive CLS-B had univariable HRs of 0.66 (CI 0.29-1.52) and 1.18 (CI 0.55-2.54) respectively and adjusted HRs of 0.31 (CI 0.11-0.82) and 0.57 (CI 0.23-1.39). Combining H&amp;E and CD68 did not improve prediction over using CD68 alone. Conclusion: CLS-B visualized by the macrophage immunostain CD68 were associated with poor outcome, independent of patient BMI and tumour characteristics. Detection of CLS-B using H&amp;E alone was not associated with poor outcome. Our results demonstrate that although CLS-B are a phenotype of obesity, they may also reflect a tissue-specific risk of adverse BC outcome. This risk may relate to localized tissue inflammation with higher prevalence in obese individuals. Although we do not advocate the clinical use of the CD68 stain, further work is warranted to clarify the connection between tissue inflammation and poor breast cancer outcome. Acknowledgement: The authors wish to acknowledge the Hold'Em For Life Charity Challenge for Cancer Research for their generous support. Citation Format: Martin C. Chang, Marguerite Ennis, Zohreh Eslami, Pamela J. Goodwin. CD68-positive crown-like structures of the breast are independently associated with adverse survival: A retrospective analysis of cases from a prospective cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-02-02.

Age and postoperative opioid prescriptions: a population-based cohort study of opioid-naïve adults.

Opioids are commonly prescribed for acute pain after surgery. However, it is unclear whether these prescriptions are usually modified to account for patient age and, in particular, opioid-related risks among older adults. We therefore sought to describe postoperative opioid prescriptions filled by opioid-naïve adults undergoing four common surgical procedures. This retrospective cohort study used individually linked surgery and prescription opioid dispensing data from Ontario, Canada to create a population-based sample of 135 659 opioid-naïve adults who underwent one of four surgical procedures (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, knee meniscectomy, or breast excision) between 2013 and 2017. Patient age, in years, was categorized as 18 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, and 75 and over. Postoperative opioid prescriptions were identified as those filled on or within 6 days of surgical discharge date. For those who filled a prescription, we assessed the total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose, types of opioids, and any subsequent opioid prescriptions filled within 30 days of surgical discharge date. Results were presented stratified by surgical procedure. For three of the four surgical procedures we assessed, the proportion of patients who filled a postoperative opioid prescription decreased with age (P < 0.001 for trend), and there was a small shift in the type of opioid (more codeine or tramadol and less oxycodone; P < 0.001 for trend). However, the total MME dose of the initial prescription(s) filled showed minimal age-related trends. The proportion of opioid-naïve patients filling postoperative opioid prescriptions decreases with age. However, postoperative opioid prescription dosage is not typically different in older adults.

ASO Author Reflections: Mucocele-Like Lesions of the Breast-Excision or No Excision?

ASO Author Reflections: Mucocele-Like Lesions of the Breast-Excision or No Excision?

Opioid Prescribing After Surgery in the United States, Canada, and Sweden

Small studies and anecdotal evidence suggest marked differences in the use of opioids after surgery internationally; however, this has not been evaluated systematically across populations receiving similar procedures in different countries. To determine whether there are differences in the frequency, amount, and type of opioids dispensed after surgery among the United States, Canada, and Sweden. This cohort study included patients without previous opioid prescriptions aged 16 to 64 years who underwent 4 low-risk surgical procedures (ie, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, arthroscopic knee meniscectomy, and breast excision) between January 2013 and December 2015 in the United States, between July 2013 and March 2016 in Canada, and between January 2013 and December 2014 in Sweden. Data analysis was conducted in all 3 countries from July 2018 to October 2018. The main outcome was postoperative opioid prescriptions filled within 7 days after discharge; the percentage of patients who filled a prescription, the total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose, and type of opioid dispensed were compared. The study sample consisted of 129 379 patients in the United States, 84 653 in Canada, and 9802 in Sweden. Overall, 52 427 patients (40.5%) in the United States were men, with a mean (SD) age of 45.1 (12.7) years; in Canada, 25 074 patients (29.6%) were men, with a mean (SD) age of 43.5 (13.0) years; and in Sweden, 3314 (33.8%) were men, with a mean (SD) age of 42.5 (13.0). The proportion of patients in Sweden who filled an opioid prescription within the first 7 days after discharge for any procedure was lower than patients treated in the United States and Canada (Sweden, 1086 [11.1%]; United States, 98 594 [76.2%]; Canada, 66 544 [78.6%]; P < .001). For patients who filled a prescription, the mean (SD) MME dispensed within 7 days of discharge was highest in United States (247 [145] MME vs 169 [93] MME in Canada and 197 [191] MME in Sweden). Codeine and tramadol were more commonly dispensed in Canada (codeine, 26 136 patients [39.3%]; tramadol, 12 285 patients [18.5%]) and Sweden (codeine, 170 patients [15.7%]; tramadol, 315 patients [29.0%]) than in the United States (codeine, 3210 patients [3.3%]; tramadol, 3425 patients [3.5%]). The findings indicate that the United States and Canada have a 7-fold higher rate of opioid prescriptions filled in the immediate postoperative period compared with Sweden. Of the 3 countries examined, the mean dose of opioids for most surgical procedures was highest in the United States.

Utility of diagnostic breast excision biopsies during two decades of screening mammography

IntroductionWe evaluated the use and value of breast surgical excision biopsies for diagnostic purposes over the last decades in women undergoing mammographic screening, either as a primary procedure or following an inconclusive percutaneous biopsy. MethodsAll women with an excision biopsy among 817,656 screens, obtained from January 1997 to January 2017, were included. ResultsOf 18,593 recalled women (recall rate, 2.3%) with screen-detected abnormalities, 908 (4.9%) underwent excision biopsy. Of these, 411 (45.3%) were performed as first diagnostic intervention, decreasing from 4.3 per 1000 screens in 1997–1998 to 0 per 1000 screens in 2015–2016. The remaining 497 (54.7%) excision biopsies were performed secondary to pathologic findings at percutaneous biopsy. During 1997–1998, 1.0 secondary biopsies per 1000 screens were performed, decreasing to 0.3 per 1000 in 2005–2006 and afterwards increased to 0.6 per 1000 in 2015–2016 (p = 0.003). Of all 487 secondary biopsies, 303 (61.0%) had a benign pathology outcome, increasing from 40.4% in 1997–1998 to 70.2% in 2015–2016. Of all 211 biopsies in the three most recent cohorts (2011–2016) the overall upgrade rate was 26.5%, consisting of 39 (18.5%) DCIS (27 low grade) and 17 (8.1%) invasive carcinomas. ConclusionsAlthough the use of excision biopsy significantly decreased over the past two decades, we observed a significant increased rate in more recent years. Since the vast majority of currently performed excision biopsies reveals a benign diagnosis or shows low grade DCIS, a secondary excision biopsy should only be considered if radiologic surveillance and repeated percutaneous biopsy continues to yield indeterminate results.